UX Design
Case study #1: Kind Deals London
"Kind Deals London: uncover hidden gems while making a positive impact at London's charity shops. Shop consciously, shop with purpose."
A mobile app designed to enhance the digital presence of charity shops and foster a community of donors and shoppers committed to supporting good causes. Our project's core objective is to bridge the gap between technology and philanthropy, leveraging a user-friendly platform to drive donations, sales, and ultimately, charitable contributions.
Understanding the problem
Our journey began with understanding the challenges faced by charity shops. Limited awareness, inefficient inventory showcase, and a lack of engagement channels often hamper their potential. Simultaneously, prospective donors and shoppers desire a convenient, transparent, and rewarding process to give and purchase.
My research
I conducted some interviews and analyzed the local market. My small research indicated that users wanted an integrated, trustworthy platform that provided ease of access to shop products, donation tracking, and locate physical shops.
Defining user personas
Meet James, a potential donor who wants to declutter his home and support local charities, and Lisa, an eco-conscious shopper looking for unique second-hand finds. Our app design caters to their needs through a simplified, engaging, and socially conscious experience.
Design philosophy
My approach marries simplicity with function. I've adopted a minimalist design with clear call-to-actions, ensuring the app remains accessible to users of all ages and technological proficiencies. This is complemented by a comforting color palette and friendly typography that echo the warm, inclusive nature of charity shops.
Key features
Charity Shops Near You: A real-time updated map that allows users to browse and locate shops near them, with forms to contact and reserve items.
Seamless Donations: A system put in place to streamline donations directly from the charity shop tab.
Charity News Section: A community feature that encourages users to share their finds and donation stories, fostering a social network of charity supporters.
Prototyping and testing
My iterative design process included the development of high-fidelity prototypes tested through multiple rounds with real users – including charity shop staff, donors, and shoppers. This led to several iterations, improving the user journey based on hands-on feedback.
Looking forward
Volunteers working for "The Big Issue" (Google)
In conclusion, this project stands as a testament to the power of empathetic design in creating solutions that serve real-world needs. It's not just designing an app; it's supporting a movement. A movement towards more conscious consumption and stronger charitable communities.